How to Get More Active When You’ve Been a Couch Potato

How to Get More Active When You’ve Been a Couch Potato

Are you trying to get out of that winter slump of heated blankets, hot chocolate, and watching Netflix all day? Honestly, I think a lot of us are– but just don’t have enough motivation to do it.

Here are some small ideas to get you started, preparing you for that marathon you might want to run after this or just kickstart your summer bod!

Walking

Taking that first step towards exercise (and the outside in general) might seem difficult in the beginning, but try going ‘round the block, just to get some fresh air. You might want to make a detour next time, and take a turn you’ve never made.

Fun fact: did you know that walking helps lower your cholesterol? Although it is a bit more beneficial for men than women, with 15.8% against 4.7%. Bummer.

Running

When you’re ready to step it up a notch, you could go for a quick jog. And if you turn up the speed a bit, it might turn into an actual run.

So, in the case of when you don’t own a fancy sports watch, the right pace is when you’re just able to hold a conversation while running. Try alternating between this and a regular walking pace– Once you’re able to run without dropping on the floor afterwards, you can start doing it 2-3 times a week.

Want that extra burn? Try switching up the speeds to really feel it in your quads & glutes!

Ground exercises

So, if going outside of the house is still too big of a step for you, you could try out some exercises right there on the floor next to you. Stick to the basics such as crunches, push ups, and leg lifts. Do sets of three, starting with 10 reps and adding 2 more each time.

Or if you want to keep it a bit more laidback, try out some yoga.

So throw off those blankets, chug that choc and put Netflix on pause (‘cause we’re still going to watch it when we get back’), and start moving!